Knee Injuries & Treatment Options
Knee injuries are common and can affect anyone. The resulting pain can be debilitating and significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Read on for more information on common knee injuries as well as treatment options from our knee doctors at Tri-County Orthopedics.
Common Knee Injuries:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: One of the most common athletic injuries seen in athletes is an injury to the ACL, a knee-stabilizing ligament. This injury is often seen in sports with sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, and instability.
Meniscal Tear: A tear in the meniscus, the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee, can occur from twisting injuries or wear and tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, clicking, or locking sensations. Daily activities involving kneeling and rising can cause meniscal tears as well as sports with sudden twisting motions, such as football and wrestling.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee): Common in athletes who participate in jumping sports, such as basketball and volleyball, jumper's knee is inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). A common symptom is pain below the kneecap.
Knee Sprain: This injury occurs when the ligaments around the knee are stretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or trauma. Knee doctors are seen by patients to treat pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the knee, often after a fall or collision during sports.
Knee Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, causes bursitis. Knee bursitis can be spurred by overuse, direct trauma, or infection. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and warmth around the knee.
Knee Osteoarthritis: Generally considered a knee condition, osteoarthritis of the knee results from years of wear and tear on the knee joints, whether from athletic activity, previous injuries, or regular daily activities. Those with knee osteoarthritis often experience pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or do other activities.
Knee Treatment Options
Depending on the severity and type of knee injury, treatment varies, from care at home to a procedure with a knee surgeon. It is important to see a knee specialist if you are experiencing severe pain or persistent pain that worsens despite home treatment.
Common Knee Treatments:
- RICE: For the initial treatment of an acute injury, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is beneficial.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are often utilized for knee pain.
- Physical Therapy: After a knee injury, physical therapy is often utilized to strengthen muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.
- Injections: A knee doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to help reduce the pain or a hyaluronic injection to help lubricate the joint.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure performed by a knee surgeon, arthroscopic procedures generally provide a faster recovery than traditional surgeries.
- Knee Replacement Surgery: This procedure replaces damaged bone and cartilage with an implant, often utilized by joint specialists in cases of knee arthritis after attempting conservative treatments.
Through proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can recover and return to their normal activities after a knee injury. If you're experiencing knee pain and suspect an injury, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Please call (973) 775-9283 or request an appointment online to schedule an appointment with one of our expert knee doctors at Tri-County Orthopedics. Our Walk-In Clinic is also available for your urgent musculoskeletal needs.